The 2022 Thanksgiving Feast

As the leaves turn golden and a crisp chill fills the air, our thoughts inevitably turn to Thanksgiving – a time for gratitude, gathering, and, of course, a truly spectacular feast. Preparing the ultimate Thanksgiving meal can seem daunting, but with our meticulously crafted menu and strategic week-of preparation guide, you’ll host a memorable celebration that is both delicious and delightfully stress-free. We’ve poured our culinary expertise into creating a diverse and delectable spread designed to impress your guests and satisfy every palate. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the rich traditions of this beloved holiday, all while incorporating fresh flavors and innovative techniques.

Embrace the Joy of Thanksgiving: Your Ultimate Holiday Menu

Happy Thanksgiving, dear friends and fellow food enthusiasts! This year, we’re elevating the traditional holiday feast with an exciting array of new and cherished recipes guaranteed to become instant classics on your table. We’re talking about not one, but two incredible turkey options – a revolutionary Spatchcock Turkey for unparalleled juiciness and a classic Whole Roasted Turkey for those who adore tradition. Beyond the star of the show, prepare to be amazed by an assortment of sensational sides and the most elegant, utterly beautiful Brown Butter Apple Galette you’ve ever laid eyes on. Whether you’re a seasoned host preparing for a full house, or you’re bringing a dish to a family gathering or a friend’s potluck, our comprehensive guide has you completely covered. Dive into our ultimate Thanksgiving menu, packed with go-to tips and clever tricks designed to ensure you feel perfectly prepared and entirely stress-free as Thanksgiving Day unfolds.

Your Essential Thanksgiving Menu

Crafting the perfect Thanksgiving meal requires a blend of timeless classics and exciting new additions. Our curated menu for this year strikes that balance beautifully, offering options that cater to both traditionalists and those eager to try something a little different. From the centerpiece turkey to the comforting sides and irresistible desserts, every dish is designed to be approachable yet incredibly flavorful. Let’s explore the delectable offerings that will define your holiday table.

The Main Event: What We’re Making

The turkey is undeniably the star of the Thanksgiving show, and we’re offering two fantastic approaches to ensure your bird is nothing short of magnificent. Choose the method that best suits your cooking style and desired outcome, both promising a moist, flavorful, and beautifully cooked centerpiece.

Spatchcock Turkey + Turkey Dry Brine

Experience a revelation in turkey preparation with our Spatchcock Turkey recipe. This innovative technique involves removing the backbone, allowing the turkey to lie flat, which results in remarkably even cooking and significantly reduced roasting time. You’ll achieve incredibly juicy, tender meat throughout, complemented by a wonderfully crispy skin – a texture combination that’s simply irresistible. For an added layer of deep flavor and moisture retention, we highly recommend pairing this method with our Turkey Dry Brine. A dry brine infuses the bird with aromatic herbs and spices, ensuring every bite is seasoned to perfection. The number of servings will, of course, depend on the size of your chosen bird, but this method is ideal for those seeking efficiency without compromising on taste.

Whole Roasted Turkey + Wet Turkey Brine (serves 12)

For those who prefer the grandeur of a traditional Thanksgiving centerpiece, our Whole Roasted Turkey recipe delivers a truly classic experience. This recipe focuses on achieving a beautifully golden-brown exterior while maintaining a moist and tender interior, full of rich, savory flavor. We share all our insider tips and expert tricks to guarantee a perfect roast every time. A critical step for maximum flavor and juiciness is our Wet Turkey Brine. This method saturates the turkey with moisture and seasoning, preventing it from drying out during the long roasting process. While serving approximately 12 people, remember that the precise yield will depend on the size of your turkey, so choose wisely to feed your grateful guests.

Easy Turkey Gravy (serves 8)

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a rich, savory gravy to tie all the elements together. Our Easy Turkey Gravy recipe is a simple yet profoundly flavorful addition to your holiday menu. It’s effortlessly made using those precious turkey drippings collected during roasting, combined with robust broth and a touch of cornstarch for that perfect silky consistency. This recipe ensures every bite of turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing is drenched in a comforting, homemade goodness that elevates the entire dining experience. It’s the ultimate finishing touch that truly defines the Thanksgiving plate.

Butternut Squash Risotto (serves 8)

Elevate your Thanksgiving side dish game with our luxurious Butternut Squash Risotto. This dish is a vibrant celebration of autumn flavors, boasting an incredibly creamy texture and a delicately sweet, earthy taste from the roasted butternut squash. While risotto may carry a reputation for being an intimidating culinary endeavor, we assure you it’s rather straightforward, and our step-by-step guide will walk you through the process with confidence. It’s a sophisticated alternative to traditional starchy sides, adding a touch of elegance and warmth to your holiday spread that your guests will adore.

Easy Sautéed Green Beans (serves 4)

Forget bland boiled vegetables! These Easy Sautéed Green Beans are anything but your average veggie side. We’re taking things up a notch by infusing them with vibrant flavors that will make them a standout dish. Fresh garlic provides an aromatic depth, while a squeeze of bright lemon juice offers a refreshing zest, creating a perfect balance that complements the natural sweetness of the green beans. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, these green beans are a light yet essential component of your Thanksgiving meal, ensuring a delightful contrast to richer dishes.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding (serves 8)

Embrace the cozy flavors of fall with our indulgent Pumpkin Bread Pudding recipe. This heartwarming dessert transforms an entire loaf of pumpkin bread into a tender, sweet, and spiced pudding that is simply divine. Each spoonful offers a comforting blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a textural delight that’s soft on the inside with perfectly caramelized edges. It’s an ideal Thanksgiving dessert, striking the perfect balance between richness and traditional holiday flavors, and can even double as a luxurious sweet side for an extra festive touch.

Brown Butter Apple Galette (serves 9)

Conclude your Thanksgiving feast with the rustic elegance of our gorgeous Brown Butter Apple Galette. This free-form tart is surprisingly simple to make, yet incredibly impressive. It features a flaky, buttery pie crust generously filled with thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples, sweet brown sugar, warm cinnamon, and the irresistible nutty notes of brown butter. The combination creates a dessert that is both sophisticated and comforting, allowing the natural flavors of the apples to truly shine. It’s the perfect sweet ending, offering a lighter, yet equally satisfying, alternative to traditional apple pie, making it a truly perfect Thanksgiving dessert recipe.

Your Essential Week-of Thanksgiving Preparation Guide

To ensure your Thanksgiving Day is truly about enjoying family, friends, and fantastic food, rather than frantic last-minute cooking, thoughtful preparation is key. Because we are undeniably Thanksgiving-obsessed and genuinely care about your peace of mind, we’ve meticulously test-run a strategic week-of preparation schedule just for you! This guide is designed to break down the holiday cooking into manageable steps, spreading the effort over several days so you can glide into Thanksgiving Day feeling fully prepared and completely stress-free. Follow our Monday through Thursday preparation guide to make your holiday hosting experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. This approach minimizes kitchen chaos and maximizes your ability to savor every precious moment.

MONDAY: The Foundation for Feast Planning

• **Make Your Grocery List:** Take stock of your pantry and fridge, then create a comprehensive grocery list based on the full menu. Double-check ingredients for all recipes to avoid multiple store trips.
• **Go to the Grocery Store:** Tackle this essential task early in the week to beat the crowds and ensure all your necessary ingredients, especially fresh produce, are on hand.
• **Turkey Thawing Initiation:** If your magnificent turkey is frozen, today is the crucial day to begin its slow and safe thawing process in the refrigerator. A large bird can take several days to thaw completely, so starting early prevents a last-minute panic.

TUESDAY: Setting the Stage for Sweetness

• **Prepare Your Pumpkin Bread:** Get a head start on your delightful Pumpkin Bread Pudding by baking the Pumpkin Bread today. Allowing it to cool completely and even sit overnight will make it perfect for absorbing the custard mixture tomorrow, creating a richer texture for your pudding.

WEDNESDAY: The Grand Pre-Cook Extravaganza

• **Set the Table:** Take the pressure off Thanksgiving morning by setting your dining table today. Lay out tablecloths, arrange centerpieces, polish silverware, and place dishes. This thoughtful step adds to the festive atmosphere and leaves one less thing to do on the big day.
• **Prepare Your Pumpkin Bread Pudding:** Assemble your comforting Pumpkin Bread Pudding. Once baked and cooled, it can be covered and refrigerated, ready for a quick reheat tomorrow.
• **Prepare Your Brown Butter Apple Galette:** Bake this elegant dessert today. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, and it can be gently reheated or served at room temperature on Thanksgiving.
• **Prepare Your Butternut Squash Risotto:** Cook your creamy Butternut Squash Risotto. Preparing it in advance allows the flavors to deepen, and it reheats wonderfully, maintaining its luxurious texture.
• **Initiate Turkey Brine:** Prepare your chosen brine! Whether you opt for the Wet Turkey Brine or the Turkey Dry Brine, ensure your turkey is properly immersed or coated today. The turkey will then brine overnight, absorbing maximum flavor and moisture for an unparalleled result.
• **Smart Storage:** Once all your prepared recipes have cooled completely to room temperature, cover them tightly and safely refrigerate until tomorrow. Proper storage is key for food safety and flavor preservation.

THURSDAY – THANKSGIVING DAY: The Celebration Unfolds!

Today is the day to enjoy the fruits of your labor! A significant portion of your dishes will simply require reheating. We recommend heating most pre-made dishes at approximately 350ºF (175ºC) for 20-40 minutes, depending on the specific recipe and its volume. Always ensure food is heated through to a safe internal temperature.

• **Roast the Main Event:** Begin roasting your magnificent Whole Roasted Turkey or Spatchcock Turkey. Remember, a 12-15 lb. bird will typically need 6+ hours (less if spatchcocking!). This is your cue to grab that first cup of coffee and preheat the oven. Plan your timing carefully!
• **Prepare Fresh Easy Sautéed Green Beans:** These are best made fresh, just before serving, to ensure their vibrant color and crisp-tender texture.
• **Finalize Easy Turkey Gravy:** Once your glorious turkey emerges from the oven and rests, you’ll have the flavorful drippings ready to complete your homemade gravy. This last-minute touch ensures maximum freshness and robust flavor.
• **Reheat Pumpkin Bread Pudding:** Gently reheat this comforting dessert until warmed through and wonderfully aromatic.
• **Reheat Butternut Squash Risotto:** Warm the risotto slowly, adding a splash of broth or water if needed, to restore its creamy consistency.
• **Reheat Apple Galette:** Reheat the galette to warm the apples and re-crisp the crust. For an extra touch of indulgence, spread any leftover melted brown butter generously over the crust before serving.
• **SERVE AND ENJOY!** The hard work is done. Now, gather your loved ones, share laughter, and savor every delicious bite of your perfectly orchestrated Thanksgiving feast!

Explore an Abundance of Thanksgiving Recipes for Every Palate

Beyond our featured menu, the culinary possibilities for Thanksgiving are endless. Over the years, we’ve cultivated a vast library of tried-and-true recipes that have graced countless holiday tables. Whether you’re seeking alternative main dishes, diverse side options, festive beverages, or an even wider selection of sweet endings, our extensive collection has something for everyone. You can find all of our most popular Thanksgiving recipes here, but to help you navigate, we’ve thoughtfully listed out some of our all-time favorites, categorized for your convenience. Get ready to customize your holiday menu with these crowd-pleasing delights!

Alternative Main Dishes

• Sous Vide Turkey Breast (serves 6): Achieve unbelievably tender and consistently moist turkey breast with this modern cooking method, perfect for smaller gatherings.
• Smoked Turkey (serves 15): Infuse your turkey with a deep, smoky flavor that’s both unique and incredibly delicious, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Herby Ranch Roasted Turkey Breast (serves 6): A flavorful and succulent turkey breast, coated in a savory herb and ranch seasoning, offering a less traditional but equally delicious option.
• Juicy Baked Turkey Tenderloin (serves 8): A quick-cooking and lean option, these tenderloins are baked to perfection, delivering juicy results every time.
• Whole Roasted Chicken (serves 6): For those who prefer chicken or are hosting a more intimate dinner, this herb-roasted chicken offers a comforting and flavorful alternative.

Sensational Sides

• Bacon Wrapped Green Beans(serves 10): A delightful twist on green beans, featuring crispy bacon for an irresistible savory crunch.
• Healthy Mashed Potatoes (serves 8): Enjoy the creamy comfort of mashed potatoes with a lighter, healthier approach, without sacrificing any flavor.
• Cornbread Stuffing (serves 10): A Southern-inspired classic, this stuffing is made from scratch with rich cornbread and savory seasonings.
• Sausage Stuffing (serves 10): A hearty and flavorful stuffing packed with savory sausage and aromatic herbs, a true crowd-pleaser.
• Sweet Potato Casserole (serves 6): A lighter take on the beloved sweet potato casserole, offering natural sweetness and a satisfying texture.
• Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad (serves 6): A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring thinly shaved Brussels sprouts, perfect for balancing richer dishes.
• Easy Roasted Delicata Squash (serves 4): Sweet and tender delicata squash, simply roasted to highlight its natural flavors, makes for an effortless and elegant side.
• Healthy Green Bean Casserole (serves 8): A lighter, homemade version of the classic green bean casserole, topped with deliciously crunchy onions.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon (serves 8): Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts paired with smoky bacon, a perfect combination of savory flavors and textures.
• Cheesy Roasted Scalloped Potatoes (serves 10): Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce until golden and bubbly, a truly indulgent side.

Festive Drinks

• Festive Hot Toddys (serves 2): Warm up your guests with these comforting and spiced hot toddies, perfect for a cozy holiday evening.
• Spiked Apple Cider (serves 1): A delightful single-serving cocktail, combining the warmth of spiced apple cider with a festive kick.
• Raspberry Mulled Wine (serves 4): Aromatic and flavorful mulled wine infused with raspberries and spices, a perfect beverage for holiday cheer.
• Apple Cider Champagne Cocktail (serves 4): Add a touch of sparkle to your celebration with this elegant and refreshing champagne cocktail, featuring seasonal apple cider.
• ALLThanksgiving Cocktails: Discover our entire collection of festive drinks, from non-alcoholic options to creative cocktails, perfect for toasting the holiday.

Decadent Desserts

• Pumpkin Sheet Cake: A moist and flavorful pumpkin cake, baked in a sheet pan for easy serving, perfect for feeding a crowd.
• Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake Bites: Delightful, bite-sized cheesecakes swirled with tart cranberries, offering a perfect portion of sweetness.
• Apple Pie Bars: All the comforting flavors of apple pie in a convenient bar form, ideal for dessert buffets.
• Pumpkin Cheesecake: A rich and creamy pumpkin cheesecake, a quintessential fall dessert that’s always a hit.
• Cherry Crisp: A warm and comforting crisp featuring juicy cherries topped with a buttery oat crumble, delicious with a scoop of ice cream.